10 trucks, carrying bonded paper meant for Khulna, seized in Dhaka

Customs intelligence officials have seized 10 trucks carrying nearly 81 tonnes of duplex board that was imported duty-free for a bonded factory in Khulna but was allegedly being diverted to Old Dhaka’s Naya Bazar for sale.

Acting on a tip-off, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate conducted a raid in the Naya Bazar area on the night of August 28 and intercepted the trucks loaded with the duplex board.

The consignment was destined for Shri Flexopack Ltd, a bonded facility in Khulna. However, instead of heading to Khulna, the trucks deviated from their designated route and entered Naya Bazar, where the goods were allegedly being unloaded at a wholesale outlet for sale.

Customs officials disclosed the details at a press briefing at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) headquarters on Saturday (August 29) afternoon.

The operation was led by the additional director general-1 of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate, with support from members of Rab-10 and the Lalbagh division of police. Various intelligence agencies also assisted in the operation.

During the raid, one of the trucks reportedly fled after the convoy noticed the presence of customs officials. Another truck that had remained in Naya Bazar and was allegedly preparing to unload the goods for sale was later identified.

Customs officials said they were able to bring a total of 10 trucks under their control. Efforts are underway to locate the truck that escaped.

According to officials, the duplex board was imported from India’s Mehali Papers Private Limited in the name of Shri Flexopack Ltd in Khulna. The consignment was cleared and assessed for customs duties at Chattogram Customs House.

The normal alternative route from Chattogram to Khulna runs through Kanchpur, Signboard, Postogola, Mawa and the Padma Bridge. Instead, the trucks deviated from that route and entered Naya Bazar, which customs intelligence officials say lends initial credibility to the tip-off.

Under Bangladesh’s bonded warehouse system, raw materials imported duty-free must be transported to an approved factory or warehouse and used for production. Taking such goods elsewhere or selling them without permission can constitute a violation of bonded facility conditions and may amount to customs and tax evasion.

Officials are now examining the documents and ownership of the seized trucks and goods, as well as the quantity of the consignment and the roles of potential buyers and warehouse operators.

If the investigation finds evidence of irregularities, legal action will be taken against those responsible, officials said.